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Obama suggests Jesus is not the only way to heaven

Small disclaimer: this is a posting on Religion and Politics (yes, at the same time), something I never do, but recently I’ve felt moved to speak up re: my faith, and this is a matter where I have something to say. If you disagree, I welcome it. I love to learn, and try to understand people and their beliefs when they are different from mine. But just as a reminder to those who will read this in their dashboards, I’m publishing something very personal to my own blog, so therefore, I’m extending the courtesy to you, to let you know this post contains opinion, and not to get your panties in a bunch. thx.

I’ve tried to reblog this post about 5 times today. It’s a tough one for me being a Christian. I find there’s so many preconceived notions about what that really means, which forces me to not to speak out about my faith unless I feel I have due time to explain and answer questions in a constructive and non-emotional manner. Personally, I strive to live by the laws set down in the Bible. It’s hard, and most of us will practice our entire lives and still never get it right. But in living this life there is one particular fundamental that I try to base every decision, thought, action, and feeling on, and that is LOVE. No matter what a person does, I try to act with love towards them. It doesn’t matter to me who they are, what they do, what they believe, I honestly try my hardest (and I’m sure I can try even harder) to live by the love and respect that I think Jesus would have for him or her.

In taking such an approach to my faith, and therefore trying to live by it (not that I’m perfect..everyone messes up, including me…that’s where the “merciful God” part comes in), I can understand where Obama is coming from by not wanting to imagine that someone he cares about, who he KNOWS is a good person at heart, but is not a Christian (believing Jesus Christ is the Savior), would not go to heaven if they are not saved. It’s something I struggle with. But my favorite pastor in the world recently explained to me (via sermon) the difference in being someone who would go to heaven, and someone who would not. He used this story: When Jesus was being crucified, he was hung on the cross, and on both sides of him there were two men, thieves, hanging on crosses as well. One man mocked Jesus saying that if He was really the King of the Jews He should save Himself. The other man replied to that, asking Jesus to remember him once He’s in His Kingdom. The first man hardened his heart, refusing all the way until his death to not believe, even for a second, there could be something more to death than, well, death. The second man that asked Jesus to remember him humbled himself when it came time to make that decision, and even though he had lived his entire life doing bad things, when it came down to it, learning what he needed to learn, he had it in his heart to admit he might have been wrong.

I guess this is where I fall in the scheme of things. I try not to focus on someone’s fate, but rather have faith in whether they are a good person at heart or not. And for those that I love dearly, I just have to believe that if they were given the right self-pertinent information, they would be able to make a decision. PLUS, I have NOTHING to do with deciding if someone goes to heaven or not, so I REFUSE to judge, refuse to say that if they are, or aren’t a Christian, then they’re damned. It’s just not my place. And I think this is close to where Obama is coming from. It’s not his place to say either, but I think he honestly wants to see the best in people, and not think about if they’re going to hell or not. It’s certainly how I operate, so I can understand.

Many Christians will argue with me that it’s my responsibility to educate as many people as possible about their fate, and that by accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior they will be saved from hell. But I believe that actions speak louder than words, and that if Christians are going to win this PR war that we’ve been facing thanks to the jerks screaming mean things at people who do things that we as a faith don’t believe in (abortion, etc…), then we must live as Jesus would, and embrace every single person on this earth no matter what they believe or do. Respect, love, and peace are so much more powerful than empty words, promises, or insincere actions.

The bottom line is I applaud Obama for taking a stand as a Christian. Publicly, it’s harder to admit being a Christian than an atheist these days, and it certainly takes more courage to do so. So why knit-pic at the little nuances of Obama’s faith? Everyone’s allowed to learn and grow within their spiritual life. He’s doing the best he can not to judge people, so I think we owe him the courtesy back. BTW, I don’t mean we shouldn’t judge him on the stances he takes on the issues pertinent to his running for office, but I mean, everyone is entitled to their faith, and he’s trying to hold true to that premise… one that was used to found this country.

[via marco]

Source: marco